Development of Authentic Inquiry Project-Based Ecology Learning to Improve Critical Thinking Skills
Geterudis Kerans(*1), Oktavianus Deke(2), Ni Wayan Prawita(3)

Science education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Katolik Weetebula, Indonesia.

Abstract

The teaching process in higher education must emphasise the four basic pillars of learning, whereby learning is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about doing something, becoming something and having an impact on social life. Learning at universities must be able to emphasise the importance of these pillars of learning through learning that emphasises critical thinking. Critical thinking skills provide space for students to critically examine problems, analyse and evaluate them using scientific procedures so as to find the right solution. Higher education institutions, as providers of workers who will compete in the global world, need to prepare their students with critical thinking skills. One of the efforts made is to innovate lectures by using authentic inquiry project-based learning. This learning innovation raises real-world problems as part of the learning process carried out through scientific procedures in a meaningful project. The purpose of this study is to develop learning instruments based on authentic inquiry projects on Ecology material to improve students^ critical thinking skills. This study uses the R & D method with the 4D model (Define, Design, Develop, and Dissemination). Data collection was carried out through literature studies, field observations, and the development of learning instruments based on authentic inquiry projects. The results of the first year of research were learning instruments (RPS, student worksheets, assessment sheets, and critical thinking skills test questions) on Ecology material. The resulting learning instruments were declared suitable for use in improving students^ critical thinking skills in Ecology material. The impact of this research is the availability of instruments that are ready to be used as learning innovations in teaching Ecology material.

Keywords: Authentic_Inquiry_Project- Ekologi- Critical thinking Skills

Topic: Sciences and STEM Education